Answer to Question #133125 in Physics for Elvis

Question

(a) Explain the term energy transformation.
(b) Describe the energy transformation occurring in a swinging simple pendulum. Justify each transformation along the path of swing.

Answer 1

a) Energy transformation is the process of changing energy from one form to another. In physics, energy is a quantity that provides the capacity to perform work (e.g. lifting an object) or provides heat.

b) As a pendulum swings down, potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy. At the bottom of the swing all energy is kinetic energy. As a pendulum moves up, kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy. At its highest point in the arc of the swing, once again the energy is all potential energy.